If you did not read CBC website today, be aware that we have for the first time a problem with imported FIRE ANTS in our bedding plants from "away."

When you get your bedding plants home, you are advised to have a pail of water handy...soak your bedding plant container for an HOUR in it.

Fire Ants bite fiercely, and some folks, and Their Pets, will react strongly to the bites. It means a trip to the doctor for you and your kids, and to the vet for your pets. I know what I am talking about, I had a small dog highly allergic to ORDINARY ant bites, and the Fire Ants are NOT ordinary.

They do not look like the little black sugar ants you might see in your kitchen, they are long and blondish red.

There are small red ants native to a lot of areas, but red fire ants are an invasive species. Fire ants have a very nasty sting and are quite aggressive .Fire ants are not adapted to areas with winter temperatures that freeze the soil for a few weeks , so it is unlikely you have them there..

I know these types of ants. It is true that they could be dangerous, but only if you let them build population. An early reaction against these pests will probably deal with them. If you feel somehow threatened make sure to call pest control professionals.